Conference Agenda

Session
Music Leadership Forum: Navigating Crisis and Change
Time:
Wednesday, 05/Nov/2025:
9:00am - 6:30pm

 Location: Northstar Ballroom A-B
Session Topics:
AMS

Session Abstract

In 2025, the AMS will hold its first-ever Music Leadership Forum. This day-long annual meeting preconference, titled "Navigating Crisis and Change," will gather leaders in music studies, the performing arts, education, and nonprofit management to share, learn, and connect. Featuring workshops hosted by an impressive roster of experts, the Music Leadership Forum will offer opportunities for professional development and networking for attendees working on music programs within a variety of professional contexts.

Attendees of the 2025 AMS-SMT Joint Annual Meeting should register for the Music Leadership Forum via the Annual Meeting registration form. Those who have already registered for the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting may add the Music Leadership Forum to their registration by completing the Special Events Add-On form. The specially discounted registration price for annual meeting attendees is $100. General admission tickets can be purchased for $125 here.

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Program

9:00AM – 9:20AM: Welcome and Introductory Remarks - Bonnie Gordon, Vice-President, American Musicological Society (AMS) and Professor, University of Virginia

10:15AM – 10:30AM: Break

10:30AM – 12:00PM: Breakout Sessions (choice of 2)

  1. “No Hacks, No Waterloos: Timeless Lessons in Ethical Leadership” - Siovahn A. Walker, R.F. Judd Executive Director, American Musicological Society (AMS) 

  2. “2025 Survival Guide: Protecting Your Work in a Shifting Landscape” - Jess Birken, Attorney/Owner Birken Law Office and Host, Charity Therapy Podcast

12:00PM – 1:30PM: Lunch Break

1:30PM – 2:15PM: “Mind the Gap: Bridging Stage and Study” - Martin Sher, Vice President and Chief Artistic/Operating Officer, Detroit Symphony Orchestra

2:30PM- 4:00 PM: Breakout Sessions (choice of 2)

  1. "The Best of Times, the Worst of Times: Tales from the Trenches," William Quillen, Dean of Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College

  2. “Maintaining Values-based decision-making during times of change” - Paul Babock, Chief Executive Officer, MacPhail Center for Music

4:00 PM – 5:00PM: Small Groups and Insight Sharing

5:15PM – 6:30 PM: Closing Reception and Mixer